$5.6 million for emergency relief providers

The Liberal National Government will provide an additional $5.6 million to help community organisations deliver emergency relief support in 2019.

Any community organisation that received Commonwealth Government funding for emergency relief in 2018 and applied to continue the service will receive at least the same level of funding in 2019.

Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher said this funding would support 109 organisations across Australia.

“These organisations deliver vital support to vulnerable Australians in our community and it’s important they are given certainty to plan ahead,” Mr Fletcher said.

Emergency relief providers give immediate support to people experiencing financial crisis.

The services delivered vary by provider, but typically include one-off assistance such as food vouchers or parcels, partial payment of utility accounts, clothing, budgeting assistance and referrals to other service providers.

“People accessing Emergency Relief typically have low or no income, making them vulnerable to financial shock such as unexpected expenses. Others need support as the result of an unforeseen or life changing event such as illness or family violence,” Mr Fletcher said.